Temple Recommend

Temple recommend. A barcoded card that allows a member of good standing in the LDS Church access to a temple for two years at a time. This is given only after an interview with the Mormon’s bishop if the applicant is deemed worthy.

A barcoded certificate that allows a member of good standing in the Mormon Church access to a temple. This is given only after an interview with his or her bishop and only if the applicant is deemed worthy. A temple recommend expires after two years. When a renewal is sought, the applicant must repeat the worthiness interview. According to fifteenth President Gordon B. Hinckley, “Every individual who qualifies for a temple recommend is also qualified as a faithful Latter-day Saint. He or she will be a full-tithe payer, will observe the Word of Wisdom, will have good family relationships, and will be a better citizen of the community” (“Opening Remarks,” Ensign (Conference Edition), November 2005, p. 4). More requirements are listed in a church manual: “Before we can go to the temple, we must be active, worthy members of the Church for at least one year. Men must hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. We must be interviewed by the branch president or bishop. If he finds us worthy, he will give us a temple recommend. If we are not worthy, he will counsel with us and help us set goals to become worthy to go to the temple” (Gospel Principles, pp. 244-245).